As Heating season lingers into Spring, and following our brief respite of warmth on Thursday April 12th, some residents maybe curious about our preparations for the Summer and prospects for AC when the weather calls for it.

We are pleased to be able to report the residential tower’s Cooling system is just about ready for operation as the weather calls for it. We have been finishing some budgeted capital repairs to the cooling tower at the up roof level as well as routine operational preparations for the season. That is wrapping up for the most part this week, and we should be able to switch from heat to AC when the weather calls for it in coming weeks.

PLEASE REMEMBER, making the switch to AC and if needed back to Heat, is not like flipping a switch. The process can take several hours. When the heat goes off, we have to wait for the temperature of the water in the pipes to drop to a safe range in order to begin circulating it through the cooling system. Then, when the weather calls for cooling, it takes more time for the water to cool down to a temperature where noticeable cooling can take place. This process indeed takes several hours.

AND, this process happens in reverse, when we return to Heating.

Also remember, this time of year we are required to provide heating up to a certain indoor temperature overnight and during the day. So despite what the weather is outside, we are closely monitoring indoor conditions to make sure we do not HAVE to provide heat, before we switch to AC.

PLEASE HAVE PATIENCE!  We want as many residents as possible to be as comfortable as possible. But weather conditions and outdoor temps can change very quickly, and we are very often finding it challenging to keep up. If you experience discomfort, don’t hesitate to let us know, just remember it takes time to adjust settings and switch back and forth.

COMMERCIAL UNITS –

As budgeted, at the April 9th Board of Directors meeting, the Board formally approved a contract for the replacement of the Commercial Cooling Tower. Some residents and employees have probably already noticed work underway on the dock. Barring any unknown conditions or problems arising during the course of the work, it should be in place and operational by Friday May 4^th.

As this project continues, there should be limited interruption to day to day activities due to the work itself, except that traffic on our rear dock may be hampered from time to time as workers and equipment come and go.

While this work is being done, AC service will not be available for those COMMERCIAL units in the mall whose HVAC relies on water from the building until the new tower is installed and operational. As we know, despite the current LACK of a Spring, the calendar is fast approaching Summer. While the present long term outlook continues to show seasonably cool if not cold weather, that could change any time.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience or interruption this work causes, and for any discomfort that may be experienced by you, your employees or guests and clients of the mall businesses, should the weather become uncomfortably warm.

Please let us know if you have any questions, just send an e-mail.

FOR EVERYONE

Given the time of year, heating is our priority, consistent with requirements of Chicago code. Once our system is ready though, we expect to have cooling available should the weather call for it. We expect by June, the heating plant will be taken out of service for seasonal maintenance, and the system will default to cooling for the duration of the summer.

As it stands with the present weather outlook, heating will need to remain available most days, though it may go off on warmer days. Once the AC is ready to go, cooling will come on when the sun is out at around 60 degrees and higher and heating when outdoor temps are in the mid to low 50s or colder. This range of temps is typically where we see the demand fluctuate this time of year. We have sensors throughout the interior and exterior of the building, including the hallways which usually give us a pretty good idea of temps in PT homes. So our staff will monitor those very closely should we need to switch manually or make adjustments.

Owner and resident feedback is always welcome and greatly appreciated. While it can be a challenge with how quickly the weather can change, and how quickly the water temperature in the pipes can transition, we realize full sun during the day turns half of the building into a green house. So we ask for your patience in such conditions. Nonetheless, feedback from residents can help trigger manual adjustments which can improve comfort.

While it will not be 100% comfortable for 100% of our residents, 100% of the time, resident comments and observations can help us make adjustments and improve conditions as much as possible.

You can e-mail us anytime at parktowercondo@dkcondo.com, or call the office 773-769-3250.